8º 55.005s 140º 06.017w
Sun Oct 27 2019
Upon
arriving at Nuku Hiva we anchored at beautiful Daniel’s Bay where Shawnee and I
hiked to the waterfall while Isabel enjoyed some hammock time. In the anchorage
were turtles and giant manta rays, and occasionally the sound of baby goats
calling to their mommas. Eventually we motored around the headland to Taiohae
Bay where we commenced to putting JollyDogs to bed for a few weeks. Shutting
down refrigeration and other power draining systems, adjusting the solar
charger output to the batteries, cleaning the boat up thoroughly, and finally
briefing Kevin of Yacht Services Nuku Hiva on how to care for our girl while
we’re away – it was a busy few days. We’ll return December 5th, so that’s a
long time to leave JollyDogs alone anchored in Taiohae Bay, but that’s what
needed to be done.
Our
cab ride across Nuku Hiva to the airport revealed spectacular valleys and
scenic vistas of the terrain with blue ocean in the distance. There’s a lot of
ranching and farming on the island interior with various livestock and plenty
of fresh vegetables. I didn’t note the elevation of the mountain pass we
crossed, but it was mighty cool up! We had circumnavigated the island back in
May, but this inland trip opened up another dimension entirely. Back when we
owned and operated a tiny airplane (Van’s RV-6), we saw much of the United
States from the air, but it’s entirely different and equally satisfying to
drive through the terrain, stopping and hiking through the terrain. Adds
another dimension entirely.
Air
Tahiti carried us to Papeete in an ATR 72, a twin-engine turboprop plane that
held 68 passengers. We got lucky with part of the flight over the Tuamotus,
enjoying spectacular views of several atolls. Arrival in Tahiti was followed by
an overnight stay at the Tahiti Airport Motel just across the street from the
terminal building. A visit to a food truck and a short night’s sleep, and early
the next morning we were on French Bee’s shiny new Airbus A350. A nice 8 hour
ride to San Francisco, landing there feeling less fatigued and fresher than I
recall other long haul trips. Must be true what they claim about lower cabin
pressure altitudes and higher humidity atmosphere on these new jets.
On
to the airport Hyatt for another night’s sleep before the last leg to Phoenix.
Shawnee elected to relax in the room while Isabel and I elected to hit the
bar/restaurant for a couple of wonderful craft beers and some chowder. Just
can’t beat a good craft beer! Early Friday morning we were at the airport
again, kicking back by a Peet’s coffee and enjoying free internet. American
Airlines struggled to get their Airbus A321 electric airplane to behave itself,
but eventually we launched for Phoenix where Jack was happy to collect us and
reunite us with our mighty Honda CR-V, the best 2006 model car on the planet.
We bought that jewel in 2016, and now with over 190,000 miles it would seem
that it’s worth darn near as much now as when we bought it. Go figure.
Off
to Brad’s lakeside condo guest bedroom in Tempe, then shift into “visit with
old friends mode” while we schedule routine maintenance for our own bodies. Eye
and dental checkups, annual physical exams etc., and in between enjoy the
wonders of Costco and Trader Joes. Isabel actually got teary eyed at the
veritable cornucopia of choices available in wine, liquor, cheese – you name
it.
It’s
a bit of a shock to our systems to return to the land of plenty. We’ve gotten
so used to visiting tiny shops on the islands, and even the Carrefour
supermarkets on Tahiti don’t offer the myriad of choices available back here in
the states, but we’re powering through.
After
a nice and highly productive 8 day visit to the “Valley of the Sun” complete
with fabulous weather we’re now in Denver, Colorado where yesterday the
temperature plummeted 50 degrees F and it’s currently snowing. Tucked into a
cozy room at the Hyatt, we’ll just have to let Uber get us around, then
Wednesday it’s off to Albuquerque to spend a few days with close friends before
returning to Denver to do the same before British Airways and their trusty 747-400
takes us to London. Time to catch up with Isabel’s family and friends before
returning to Nuku Hiva in December.
There
was a time when air travel seemed exciting and exotic, but no longer the case.
Now it’s dragging luggage around, dealing with long security lines, hoping we
don’t miss a connection, and trying for a seat assignment next to someone who
can contain their own body within the confines of their accommodation.
We
left JollyDogs with 82 F temperatures wearing shorts, T-shirts and flip flops.
We’re now equipped with (and lugging around) all the clothing that we’ll need
to survive about 5 weeks of cold, rainy climes. It’s such a contrast, and a
wakeup call that we’re both much better suited to the tropics. If home is where
your hat is and you hang your hat on JollyDogs, I guess home for us is Nuku
Hiva, at least for right now.
Looks
like the British will keep floundering around with Brexit a while longer, while
the politicians in America will keep arguing about exactly what kind of
president “The Donald” is. Better not to read the news at all. Time to go find
a nice pub with a warm fire place, comfort food and a pint of dark beer and
“fuggedaboutit”. . .
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